Test discard Vinod Kambli saved Mumbai the blushes today with a timely, unbeaten knock of 108. He also put on an unbroken partnership of 136 runs for the sixth wicket with all-rounder Robin Morris (51).
This was the Mumbai lefthander's 22nd century in Ranji Trophy cricket and it could not have come at a more important time for the team.
Mumbai were struggling at 87 for 3, with Wasim Jaffer, Nishit Shetty and Amol Muzumdar back in the pavilion.
But Kambli "really enjoyed batting in the middle. Wickets were falling at the other end, so I took up the challenge." Mumbai lost three more wickets quickly to be reduced to 6 for 142, before Morris joined Kambli and stemmed the rot.
"I was playing after a long time," Kambli said later. "I missed out in the Irani Trophy, so I was looking to spend as much time as possible at the wicket. Robin also supported me a lot."
Kambli's last Ranji Trophy match was in January 2002 against Saurashtra, after which he went to South Africa to play club cricket for Boland.
The 2001-02 season was also a disappointment for Kambli as he scored just 55 runs in four matches at a meagre 9.17 runs per innings.
"I will play the sheet anchor's role this season," Kambli said. "I am the senior batsman in the side and the youngsters look up to me."
Mumbai coach and former India stumper Chandrakant Pandit was delighted with Kambli's knock on the second day. He felt that Kambli would hold the key on the third day. There are still two days to go.
"Vinod's addition is a big boost for the Mumbai team," Pandit said. "Last season we missed him, and I hope this innings will boost other batsmen in the side.
"Robin's contribution was also vital. His partnership with Kambli was crucial as we had lost quite a few wickets," the coach said.
